NEW HOPE — Despite the wind and rain, it was a sweet homecoming for the New Hope Trojans, as they picked up a dominant 42-7 win over the Houston Hilltoppers.
The Trojans had help from Jeremiah Harkins, who dominated in the second half.
After rushing for just six yards on two carries in the first half, Harkins finished the game with 134 yards and three touchdowns on 12 carries. New Hope head coach Allen Glenn gave credit to Harkins but also gave credit to the Trojan offensive line.
Those guys did the dirty work for him,” Glenn said, “and I’m sure he’d give them the credit too.”
New Hope also put on a dominant defensive performance, forcing four turnovers. Glenn said the Trojans have been making turnovers not only a priority, but a requirement in practice.
It seems the Trojans have been carrying that mindset to Fridays as well.
Houston got off to a hot start, scoring on their first drive. Jayden Knox scored from six yards out on an end-around reverse play, and Houston took a 7-0 lead.
The Trojans were able to hold the Hilltoppers scoreless for the rest of the quarter but were unable to score themselves.
Early in the second quarter, Braylon Bouldes recovered a fumble for the Trojans, which put them in position for Jacob Jefferson to score from eight yards out, tying the game for the Trojans.
After the teams exchanged punts, Houston fumbled the ball on a bad pitch and New Hope’s Cameron Mitchell recovered.
On the ensuing play, New Hope fumbled, giving the ball right back to Houston. The Trojans held the Hilltoppers and got the ball back.
The Trojans were able to get on the board right before halftime, when Tyrekus Brooks was able to find Merrit Moon for a 47-yard touchdown. The Trojans held a 14-7 lead at halftime.
The Trojans stayed hot heading into the second half, as the rain began to pour. Just over two minutes into the second half, Harkins broke free for a 29-yard touchdown run, giving the Trojans a 21-7 lead.
After the Trojans forced a punt, Harkins struck again. This time Harkins powered through defenders and broke free for a 39-yard rushing touchdown.
On their next drive, the Trojans were matching up the field again, looking to score on three consecutive drives, but turned the ball over on a fumble.
After the teams again exchanged punts, Trey Tippet came up with a big interception for the Trojans, who promptly marched down the field with help from some big runs by Harkins, setting up for a four-yard touchdown run from Brooks.
On the following drive, the Hilltoppers fumbled again, and Moon recovered for the Trojans. On the very next play, Harkins ran it in from 13 yards out.
That score triggered a running clock, but the Trojans defense didn’t stop there. With 5:39 left in the fourth quarter, Tobias Roby recovered a fumble for the Trojans.
The Trojans punted once more but the Hilltoppers were unable to score as both teams had backups on the field.
After the game, Glenn could be heard reminding his team that they were not the “same New Hope.” Glenn said his team has a new sense of belief.
“There’s no reason why we can’t do things the right way and be successful,” Glenn said. “I’m just glad that we’ve been able to do some of that here lately.”
Glenn said his team had a mantra this past week, which was, “Again and again and again.” He wants his team to continue stacking great practices and great games.
The Trojans will look to continue their success as they close non-district play next week by taking a short trip to Columbus for a cross-county rivalry game against the Falcons.
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